Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav - (Source: AFP)
The troubles within the Mumbai Indians camp are refusing to settle down. Allegedly, Hardik Pandya is looking for a trade away from the five-time winners, while reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav, too, might be released to trigger a massive overhaul for IPL 2027.
Speculation began after Suryakumar Yadav removed the Mumbai Indians from his Insta bio. Talking about IPL 2026, the right-handed batter scored 270 runs in 13 innings. Similarly, Hardik Pandya had a poor IPL season, amassing just 206 runs.
Mumbai Indians have a tough decision to make, whether to let two of their superstars leave or pursue one of them to stay and also lead the team for the upcoming season. The question is who? Suryakumar Yadav or Hardik Pandya?
Suryakumar Yadav re-adds Mumbai Indians on social media
In the latest events, reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav has re-added Mumbai Indians on his Insta bio, suggesting that things have mended between the two parties. However, the reports added that Suryakumar Yadav has also asked for MI captaincy for IPL 2027.
The demand has put MI management into a tricky spot, which is why this article will shed light on Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s captaincy records in T20Is.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya: Who Is The Better Captain?
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya: Overall Captaincy Record
Criteria
Suryakumar Yadav
Hardik Pandya
Matches
57
85
Won
44
46
Lost
11
38
Tied/NR
2
1
Winning %
77.19%
54.11%
Suryakumar Yadav has led India in 52 T20Is. He boasts a stellar record with the Men in Blue, winning 42 matches. The right-handed batter has a winning percentage of 80.7 while captaining India.
In IPL, SKY has captained MI in just 5 matches, winning 2 and losing 3 matches, resulting in a poor 40% win percentage. However, overall, Suryakumar Yadav has a win% of 77.19 in T20 cricket. The most notable moment in Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy career has been guiding India to their 3rd T20 World Cup title in 2026.
Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, has led India in just 16 T20Is. He has a win% of 62.5 as he has won 10 matches and lost 5 matches while leading the Men in Blue. In IPL, Hardik Pandya has led in 69 games, but only has a win% of 52.5. He has won 36 matches as a captain and lost 33 games.
Hardik Pandya's notable momennt as a captain when he led Gujarat Titans to IPL victory.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya: Captaincy Record For Mumbai Indians
Criteria
Suryakumar Yadav
Hardik Pandya
Matches
5
39
Won
2
15
Lost
3
24
Tied/NR
0
0
Winning %
40%
38.46%
For Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar Yadav has just a win percentage of 40. Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, has a win% of 38.46, which is lower than Suryakumar Yadav for Mumbai Indians.
Therefore, in both the crtierias, Suryakumar Yadav has an upper hand over the star all-rounder as a leader.
The Verdict: Suryakumar Yadav Or Hardik Pandya? Who Should Captain Mumbai Indians In IPL 2027
If we look at the stats, then its evident that Suryakumar Yadav enjoys more success as a captain, be it in IPL or for the Indian cricket team. Therefore, the management should let Hardik Pandya leave and focus on Suryakumar Yadav to turn things around for Mumbai Indians.
Also, Mumbai Indians have already tested Hardik Pandya as their captain for three seasons and the all-rounder has not done anything significant. Further, it seems that the 32-year-old has already made up his mind to leave and it would be better for the five-time winner to part ways with Hardik Pandya.
Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav - (Source: AFP)
